Valentine’s Day in Brazil is celebrated on June 12 and is known as “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day). Unlike the internationally celebrated Valentine’s Day on February 14, Brazil’s date was strategically chosen to boost retail sales during a typically slow month. This special day is dedicated to expressing love and affection among couples and exchanging gifts and messages filled with romantic sentiments.
Origin of “Dia dos Namorados”
It is said that the tradition began in 1948 when Brazilian publicist João Dória introduced the celebration to increase sales in his client’s chain stores. He was inspired by Valentine’s Day abroad but strategically chose June 12, just before Santo Antônio’s Day (June 13), a Catholic saint known for blessing couples and marriages in Brazil.
How Brazilians Celebrate
On Dia dos Namorados, couples often exchange thoughtful gifts, romantic notes, chocolates, and flowers. It’s a popular night for dining out, with restaurants usually fully booked and often offering special romantic menus. Some couples choose to celebrate with cozy, intimate dinners at home, preparing special dishes or desserts together.
Singles are not forgotten on this romantic holiday. The following day, June 13, celebrates Santo Antônio, considered the patron saint of marriage. Single people sometimes partake in amusing rituals hoping to find love, asking for the saint’s blessing.
Typical Gifts and Gestures
- Flores (flowers): Roses, particularly red ones, are classic.
- Chocolate: Boxes of fine chocolates are popular choices.
- Cartões (cards): Romantic, personalized messages.
- Jóias (jewelry): A common and cherished gift.
- Jantar romântico (romantic dinner): Often planned at home or at a favorite restaurant.
Brazilian Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
Here are some common words you might hear or use around Dia dos Namorados:
Namorado: boyfriend
Namorada: girlfriend
Beijo: kiss
Abraço: hug
Amor: love
Apaixonado (m) : in love
Apaixonada (f) : in love
Paixão: passion
Did you notice that the Portuguese word for “in love” isn’t based on “amor” (love), but on “paixão” (passion)?
Romantic Phrases in Brazilian Portuguese
Eu te amo: I love you
Eu te adoro: I adore you
Tô com saudade: I miss you
Você é o amor da minha vida: You’re the love of my life
Você me faz feliz: You make me happy
Você chegou com um brigadeiro e eu disse sim: You showed up with a brigadeiro and I said yes.
OK, maybe don’t use this last one. Unless your Brazilian sweetheart won you over with their brigadeiro making skills… or at least saved one for you.
I hope you enjoyed learning about Brazil’s version of Valentine’s Day! Let me know if your Brazilian Valentine was impressed. Did you try any of the vocabulary above?